H abstraction dynamics by crossed-beam velocity map imaging: Cl+CH3OH → CH2OH+HCl

The crossed-beam reaction of ground state Cl (2P3/2) atoms with CH3OH have been studied using the technique of velocity map imaging (VELMI). The hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) radical was detected via single-photon ionization using 157 nm laser light. The full double-differential cross-sections were obtained at a collision energy of 8.7 kcal/mol. The angular distribution was predominantly in the sideways-backward direction with respect to the incoming alcohol beam, suggesting direct abstraction dynamics. The average translational energy release was 6.1 kcal/mol, out of 15.1 kcal/mol available. The technique of vacuum ultraviolet one-photon ionization in conjunction with VELMI promises to be useful for studying the reaction dynamics for many polyatomic systems.